I hate to borrow from a Coors Light commercial, but it’s appropriate.
“I think this is what we’ve been waiting for.”
“I think it is …”
Of course, the ad has nothing to do with basketball. But it applies here for those of us who have been awaiting the NBA’s Western Conference playoffs.
Before I proceed, I must say – I love the “There can only be one” ads with two half-faces speaking the same words. Excellent idea.
For several months, while watching teams climb and slide in a manner that would make a pennant race jealous, we’ve all said it, Man, I can’t wait for the playoffs. They’re going to be something special.
While I picked Utah to beat Houston, and go deep in the playoffs after that, seeing Houston win wouldn’t bother me. I’ve grown tired of the criticism Tracy McGrady receives for not getting out of the first round, and the unnecessary slings and arrows. He’s the star. The focal point. The guy making the big bucks. I get all that. But what playoff team wouldn’t jump at the chance to acquire him if the opportunity arose? Time for the media’s monkey-on-the-back to go away, whether the Rockets win or lose.
The Jazz did something the pundits didn’t see coming. That is, they won Game 1 on the road. In another example of how much (little) the ‘experts’ know, we all had to endure the countless statements that Utah was nearly unbeatable at home, yet would struggle on the road. Now it’s two-love Utah. And I feel compelled to bring this up. Houston is one of the four teams to win in Utah this season. And maybe up-and-comer Rafer Alston comes back for game three. I love rookie Luis Scola’s game, though he was average tonight, and backup PG Bobby Jackson may get a little testy, knowing his time is running short. I know it’s a long shot, but long shots make for great playoff stories. And perhaps Alston’s value is magnified by his absence.
Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer is a media victim in his own right, being overshadowed by the likes of Amare Stoudemire and Dirk Nowitzki, yet one would be hard-pressed to take either over him. Granted, Boozer doesn’t play the greatest defense, but neither do the other two I mentioned. Stoudemire and Nowitzki may be flashier, but Boozer reminds Jazz fans of a young Karl Malone, and I think they’re just fine with that, thanks.
Kobe Bryant was shooting about 35% midway through the second quarter in the first game of the Lakers’ series versus the Nuggets, yet the Lakers still had a comfortable lead. But in the second half, when Denver looked like they were making a run, it became Kobe time. Bryant is on the short list of those who can take over a game against quality competition. Of course it’s somewhat easier now that he has some weapons around him. And those weapons were significant. Pau Gasol is answering every question to this point. Bryant’s past issues both on and off the court would have gotten lesser players shipped off, but the fact remains – when he’s right in both mind and body, Kobe reminds me of a question posed to Bum Phillips about Earl Campbell. Is he in a class by himself? Maybe not, but it sure doesn’t take long to call roll. Plus, it appears Denver has lost their cool, something that shouldn’t happen until at least game four or five. Give the Nuggets credit. They’re a little ahead of schedule. And just in time for spring golf season in the Rocky Mountains.
As I watched the first half of the Hornets-Mavericks game, I admittedly started to think I may have mis-called that one in the playoff preview. (Hey, if mis-remembered is a word, I can use mis-called, right?) But alas, me of little faith got some satisfaction. Chris Paul came through as I thought he would. He’s ready for prime time, and don’t you forget it. (Is there anyone who wouldn’t want to see Deron Williams and Chris Paul play each other for seven games? Sign me up right now). I’ll reiterate what I said in my preview, more or less; I’ll take Byron Scott over Avery Johnson as a head coach, I’ll take Chris Paul over Jason Kidd, and I really don’t care how many points I give up to Nowitzki. Speaking of giving up, the Mavs gave up too much to get Kidd. I can see Diop or Harris going, but not both. Bad move. Either would make a difference in this matchup.
Which brings us to the Spurs/Suns series. The win by San Antonio effectively negated any upper hand the Suns may have had in winning the season series 3-1. There is a reason that I picked the Spurs to win. While the first game stats were about as close as an NBA playoff game between two good teams can get, and on paper it could be debated who’s better, more playoff series than not come down to coaching. And if any one or two of the following occurred, it would be acceptable to some degree. But when all of them occur, it’s a fatal pattern. And I am not going to dwell on the fact that Phoenix led by 16 in the second quarter. It’s the NBA, it happens.
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The Suns, with a three-point lead, don’t get off a shot before the shot clock expires in the last half minute of regulation. I told my gal pal Donna right then and there, “That could cost them the series.”
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I said to my gal pal, “The Suns will leave someone open for a three here.” This was the subsequent possession following the shot clock violation. And sure enough, Michael Finley drills one uncovered. Overtime, here we come.
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Late in the first overtime, the Suns lead by three. During a timeout, I said to the aforementioned gal pal, “Who are they going to leave open for a three this time?” It turned out to be Tim Duncan. (See, I’ve seen this all before. And I’ve never been a big fan of sequels.) And while much has been said about how taking your chances with Duncan shooting the three will work more often than not, the fact remains – the only way for the Suns to lose is to give up a three. Especially since you just gave up said three at the end of regulation. Yet when Manu Ginobili drove the lane before passing out to Duncan, two Suns followed him. Ginobili, that is. Why. If Manu makes the layup, it’s a one point Phoenix lead with less than five seconds left. But you’re still in the driver’s seat.
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Ginobili drives left for the winning shot. Ginobili always drives left. And Raja Bell, supposedly a good defensive player, lets him do it. Basketball 101, as we all learned in grade school, dictates that you defend a player’s strong hand. Ginobili’s no Kevin Johnson or Allen Iverson, so you guard his strong hand. Puzzling to say the least.
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Tony Parker was allowed to drive right down Main Street many times in the second half. (Man, this is getting old.) Okay, Shaq was on the bench with foul trouble and therefore could not protect the basket as the Suns would have liked. But they do have a rookie on the bench who is an outstanding defensive player. During his limited playing time this season, he’s proven to be solid on both ends of the floor, and can backup at the point, no less. He’s just as big as Ginobili, yet quicker and more athletic. His name is D.J. Strawberry, and he is currently at a Suns “rookies anonymous” meeting.
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Don’t even get me started on why Kurt Thomas is no longer a Sun.
I’ve never been one to declare anything over before it actually is so, but the coaching deficiencies are so glaring that I have no other choice. The Spurs in seven prediction may have been a little optimistic for Phoenix. But for a team with no margin for error, as the Suns have backed themselves into, the vultures are circling. Dire Straits, indeed.
Photos:
Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images
Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images
Teases/Profiles are done for the season.
LOTL Postseason Edition posts Monday & Friday mornings.
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All Rights Reserved.
Great read Ricko. Go Jazz go!
Left by Spidey on April 22nd, 2008